South Downs National Park Nears Tree Planting Goal

The South Downs National Park has announced it is nearing its objective of planting 100,000 trees ahead of its 15th anniversary in 2025. Recent efforts involve the planting of nearly 20,300 saplings across five locations in Sussex and Hampshire, among them 400 elms resistant to disease. To date, 75,000 trees have been established through the Trees for the Downs initiative, a program supported by donations from various groups and individuals. The trust responsible for fundraising on behalf of the park aims to attract engagement for the upcoming planting season. Among the contributors in 2024 were American Express, South East Water, the University of Sussex, the London to Brighton EV rally, and the Boomtown Festival in Hampshire. Additionally, the trust has provided backing for the establishment of 3.42 hectares (8.45 acres) of new woodland at Rough House Farm, Elsted, West Sussex. Furthermore, as many as 4,500 trees are being planted over a two-year period in the Hampshire Hangers, situated between Farnham and Petersfield, contributing to landscape improvements spearheaded by National Grid. Nick Heasman, the countryside and policy manager for the National Park, stated: “The treescape that makes up almost a quarter of the South Downs National Park and is a vital resource for the entire South East is under unprecedented threat from pests and diseases, as well as climate change.“Increasing the number and diversity of our native trees and carefully introducing new species into the landscape is going to be a big help in responding to all these threats and help to reverse biodiversity loss.” The National Park was established within the South Downs in March 2010. BBC Sussex can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.